Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Discover a unique pathway to Canadian permanent residence tailored to meet the specific requirements of each province and territory. Every Canadian province and territory except Quebec and Nunavut runs its own Provincial Nominee Program. Each program has its own streams, selection criteria and invitation rounds, designed to meet that province’s labour market and economic needs. Quebec selects its economic immigrants through its own programs.
There are two ways to be nominated. Some streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system: a nomination through these streams adds 600 points to the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Other streams are processed outside Express Entry: after the nomination, the candidate applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence directly. In both cases, IRCC makes the final decision on permanent residence.
Each year, IRCC gives every province a limited number of nominations. In its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government set a target of 91,500 Provincial Nominee Program admissions for 2026. Because spaces are limited, most provinces now invite candidates selectively, and many streams accept applications by invitation only.
Explore more about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) we collaborate with in these provinces:
How the Provincial Nominee Program works
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets provinces and territories nominate people who have the skills, education or work experience to help their economy and who want to live there as permanent residents. Each province and territory sets its own streams, requirements and yearly number of nominees.
Eleven provinces and territories take part: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Quebec and Nunavut do not have a PNP. Quebec runs its own selection system.
Two ways to apply
- Express Entry streams: if you qualify for a federal Express Entry program and a provincial stream, a nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry profile, which helps you get invited to apply for permanent residence
- Non-Express Entry (base) streams: if you qualify for a provincial stream but not for Express Entry, you apply to the province first and then to IRCC for permanent residence
Check your points first
Several provinces score candidates with their own points grid. Use our free calculators for an estimate, then ask our team to review it:
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for a Provincial Nominee Program?
It depends on the stream. Many worker streams need a job offer from an employer in the province, but some target people with in-demand experience, graduates of local schools or business owners without one.
How many points does a provincial nomination give in Express Entry?
600 points. In most cases this is enough to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a following Express Entry draw.
Can I apply to more than one province?
Yes, you can submit an Expression of Interest to more than one province if you meet each one’s requirements. You must intend to live in the province that nominates you.
Which province is best for me?
It depends on your occupation, education, language scores, funds and family ties. Our licensed consultants (RCICs) compare the provinces for you in a free assessment.
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